My Volunteer Experiences
Grades 9 - 12
Beggining in Grade 9, I joined a well known committee referred to as the Youth Group. Within this committee, we would discuss the importance of collaborating amongst individuals in our school community to disucss different ways on how to improve the school. Things would then be taken one step furthur to expand that thinking to help others in the real world.
Some of the many exciting adventures we were able to experience over the years included;
- Volunteering at Women& Youth's Homeless Centers
- Food Banks around the Holidays
- Apple Picking for those less fortunate
- Toy Drives
- Ronald McDonald House to volunteer with children
- March for Life to end abortion
My Grade 11 & 12 Experience
Best Buddies was introduced to my high school in September of 2011. I joined in hopes of making a new life long friend; whom I knew was just as worthy and smart as I was, except this friend was diagnosed with Autism from a young age. For some people, this may have seemed 'uncool' to join in high school, but for me- my goal was to make a difference in someone else's life. My buddies name was Matthew- I would play Basektabll with him during my recesses, go to the special education classroom to eat lunch with him when we had the same lunch and most of all; I treated Matthew as an equal.
My Plan with regards to the program...
When I graduate University and furthur my studies in Teacher's College- my plan is to join this well-known program & bring more information into the schools I volunteer at, or even have my placements with, etc- to bring forth this awareness that children with these unique special needs should NOT be ignored; rather, they should be able to express and love themselves for being made just the way they are.
If you would like to know more on how to join in on this growing intitative, please click the link!
My Placement Experiences
Program Title: Early Childhood Studies @ Guelph-Humber University
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4 year program
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Will receive a Degree & Diploma: June 2017
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Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Guelph-Humber University
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Degree from Humber College for Practical Experience: over 750 hours of volunteering in the field
First Year of University
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Market Lane Early Learning Childcare Centre - 20 hours
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Promised Future Nursery School - 20 hours
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St. Clements Catholic Elementary School - 20 hours
For First Year University, Early Childhood Studies Students were expected to complete a job shadow at three different locations. As part of our experience, we needed to find, call and schedule 2 days to go in and volunteer for a minimum of 20 hours each.
Second Year of University
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St. Peter's Chilcare Center - 120 hours in a Preschool Setting
For Second Year University, Early Childhood Studies Students were placed in a daycare Preschool Setting for the Winter Semester. As a student, I was expected to attend placement once a week until I accumulated a total of 120 hours. Daily journals and learning experiences were completed throughout my whole experience.
Third Year of University
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St. Peter's Childcare Center - 125 hours in an Infant Room Setting
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St. Clement's Catholic Elementary School - 120 hours in an Full-Day Kindergarten Room Setting
For Third Year University, Early Childhood Studies Students were placed in either a Infant or Toddler Setting. Third Year Placement would consist of a seperate placement for both Fall and Winter Semester.
In the fall semester, I was placed in an Infant Setting at the same daycare I completed my second year placement at. I was required to attend once a week until I accumulated a total of 120 hours. Daily journals and learning experiences were completed throughout my whole experience.
In the winter semester, students were able to be placed in an area of the field in which they were interested in. I requested a Full Day Kindergarten Setting at St. Clements Catholic Elementary School (which was my elemntary school). I was required to attend once a week until I accumulated a total of 120 hours. Daily journals and learning experiences were completed throughout my whole experience. My field supervisor I had for this placement is one of my references for my teacher's college application!
Fourth Year of University
*NOT YET COMPLETED*
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St. Margaret Mary Catholic Elementary School - 350 hours in a Full-Day Kindergarten Setting
For Fourth Year University, my current and final year- Early Childhood Studies Students are placed in a setting of their choice. They request a placement where they see themselves working after graduation. This placement will span over both Fall& Winter Semesters.
I am placed in a Full-Day Kindergarten Setting. This FDK setting is different in the sense that there is both a Teacher and ECE in the room with me and this time I will be starting at the beggining og the year as supposed to the middle of the year. I am required to attend twice a week until I accumulate 175 hours for this fall semester. In the Winter semester, I will then accumulate another 175 hours. Daily Journals and TWO Learning Experiences a week are required.
I am particularly excited about this placement because I will get to experience what it feels like to be in a classroom with a group of children from the beggining of the year, to the end of the year. I will be able to see this wonderful group of children grow and develop into confident invidividuals. I look forward to sharing my creativity and positive attitude with all the children, their parents and my field supervisor.
All my placement settings have shaped me into the confident individual I am today, and I cannot thank all these individuals enough for sharing their passion of working with children with me!
My Work Experiences
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I work @ St. Peter's Childcare Center
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I have over 700 hours of paid work experience from Jan. 2016
Upon finishing my third year placement in December of 2015, the supervisor of St. Peter's Chilcare Center contacted me after the holidays and hired me as a part-time staff starting January 2016. I was over enjoyed at this moment in my life, as my two placements I had completed at this center were nothing but positive experiences for me. The supervisor spoke to my past field supervisors, who I am now colleagues with; and several individuals throughout the center had nothing but positive things to say aboout me. I can confidently say that I left people with a great impression of myself and I am so grateful for this amazing experience.
Starting May 2016, I was switched into a full-time position over the summer months. Since my job role is considered an 'Assisstant', I was not given my own classroom- I was known as a floater; covering for different individuals and working with children ages 6 months-12 years of age. At first i did not like the whole set up, however by the time August came around and I was about to go back to school; I did not want to leave.
The staff, the children, the parents and my supervisors created such a welcoming environment for me from the very start. I felt like part of a team working at this center and I learned so much from the different educators. Being able to work with all different age groups, which consistted of children with all different needs; has really expanded my knowledge of how to work in various situations and with different people each day.
When I graudate this program in June 2017, my supervisor has told me that they would like to keep me at their center; I obviously accepted the amazing offer &
I literally cannot wait to transition myself back into the center for the summer with my new title of a Registered Early Childhood Educator!